Passing the baton is an ANAM exclusive series featuring some of ANAM's 2021 alumni and new first year musicians.
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Words by:
Jye Todorov (bassoon 2021) and Andre Oberleuter (bassoon QLD)
Prior to the year commencing, we invited a number of incoming ANAM musicians to seek wisdom from a few most recent alum. Here, ANAM alumnus Jye Todorov (bassoon 2021) answers some of Andre Oberleuter (bassoon QLD) burning questions about life at ANAM.
Jye completed his bassoon training at ANAM in 2021
Andre: What is most rewarding about playing chamber music at ANAM with ANAM musicians?
Jye: For me, it’s not only the extremely high calibre playing of each musician but more importantly, the vivacity, commitment, curiosity and youthful energy that all ANAM musicians bring. Playing amongst such talent is super inspiring and really shows us that the future is in good hands.
Andre: How can manage stress during busy periods?
Jye: I’m sure it’s no surprise but…PLAN, PLAN, PLAN! Prior to ANAM, I was never really a ‘Planner’ but it is a skill that is applicable to nearly every aspect of your life and I believe essential to finding a sense of achievement. One always has to accept that things don’t always go to plan, but in times of crisis - it’s your map and your compass! What and how you plan varies from person-to-person. You’ll find in general that when you begin to plan, you’ll find some consistencies! Long-term goals are important and can be a great starting point for inspiration but the planning doesn’t end there! Short-term goals are equally important as checkpoints on the road to your long-term goals. The most important section to your planning is even closer to the present moment than your short-term goals. ‘What am I doing this week? What do I want to do tomorrow?’ Some people like having every detail of their day written down but you’ve got to find what works for you and it’s very okay for that to change over time as you refine your process. It is essential to follow through with the plan you make to the best of your ability! That’s not to say you can’t be flexible - there are often many roads to a single destination.
When you need help, ask for it! The staff and students at ANAM really do want the best for you and they will do what they can to assist you, and you can always seek advice from outside the institution if that feels safer.
Think about what fuels you! You might find that a walk in the middle of the day or spending time alone or reading a book is something that you need not only recharge your body but your soul too! If you learn to take care of yourself, you’ll have a much better chance at managing stress.
Andre commences his bassoon training at ANAM in 2022
Andre: How can I make an impression during a studio class?
Jye: I think it’s important to ask ourselves ‘why’ we want to make an impression on our colleagues. Many of us encounter ‘imposter syndrome’ at one point or another and a big part of that is feeling a need to prove our worth. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to showcase your individual talent but really there are more important things. You’ll make a good impression on those around you just by being a nice person. You can play the most virtuosic piece in a class but humility, respect and collegiality are even more important. That being said, always play something that has had preparation and thought gone into it. You might not perform well sometimes but that is part of learning and being human. Remember too that ANAM is not exactly an easy place to get into. You’re there! You’ve got the talent! Work hard and be nice!
Andre: How can I make the most of the opportunities in ANAM and around Melbourne?
Jye: ANAM has a number of curational opportunities for the students to lead! I would encourage that you develop an interest in what projects you might like to see come to fruition. Now being at the Convent, you’ll also have a chance to establish some connection to the other tenants and communities that are around! If there’s something you’d love to see happen, ask the ANAM team about it! They will always try to make things happen for the students.
There are recital spaces in Melbourne for which you can create your own opportunities and other gigs will simply pop up through word-of-mouth and recommendation. If you’re in a position where you need to have a casual job while at ANAM, I would say to give as little time as you can to that! You’ll never get this time back and it’s really important that you give yourself the best chance to make the most out of being at ANAM.